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IOCL Wins Bid for 425km Kochi-Thoothukudi Gas Pipeline to Boost South India

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has authorized Indian Oil Corporation Limited to build a 425-kilometer natural gas pipeline from Kochi to Thoothukudi. The pipeline will transport regasified LNG to demand centers in Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu with a capacity of 6.84 MMSCMD. It aims to expand City Gas Distribution networks and supply gas to industrial and power sectors, boosting cleaner fuel use. The project supports India's goal to increase natural gas in its energy mix and was awarded to IOCL following a competitive bidding process.

Key Points: PNGRB Authorizes IOCL's Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi Gas Pipeline

  • 425 km pipeline from Kochi LNG Terminal to Thoothukudi
  • Capacity of 6.84 MMSCMD
  • Strengthens gas infrastructure in South India
  • Supports PNG and CNG expansion
  • Awarded to IOCL via competitive bidding
2 min read

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board grants authorization to IOCL Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi pipeline

PNGRB grants IOCL authorization for a 425 km natural gas pipeline from Kochi to Thoothukudi to strengthen southern India's gas grid and cleaner fuel access.

"The project is expected to play an important role in enabling the expansion of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks - PNGRB"

New Delhi, April 17

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has granted authorization to Indian Oil Corporation Limited for the Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline.

The company in an official statement said that the pipeline will start from the Kochi LNG Terminal in Kerala and extend to Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It will be about 425 km long and have a capacity of 6.84 MMSCMD.

The project aims to strengthen gas infrastructure in southern India. It will help transport regasified LNG to demand centres in Kerala and southern Tamil Nadu. PNGRB said that, "The project is expected to play an important role in enabling the expansion of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks, as well as supplying natural gas to industrial consumers, power plants and other downstream sectors in the region."

The pipeline is likely to improve gas availability, boost cleaner fuel use, and support the government's goal of increasing the share of natural gas in the energy mix. It will also help expand PNG and CNG supply to homes, businesses and transport.

The authorization was awarded after a competitive bidding process, with IOCL emerging as the successful bidder. PNGRB said it remains committed to developing a strong and integrated national gas grid to support sustainable growth.

Company noted that the authorization follows a competitive bidding process undertaken by PNGRB in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework. After evaluation of the technical and financial bids received, Indian Oil Corporation Limited emerged as the successful bidder for the project.

With this, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board remains committed to facilitating the development of robust natural gas infrastructure across the country and to promoting the creation of an integrated and resilient national gas grid, which is essential for ensuring sustainable economic growth and advancing India's transition towards a cleaner energy future.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Coimbatore, I'm really hoping this leads to wider PNG availability for homes. LPG cylinder prices are a constant worry. More natural gas in the mix should help stabilize things. Good move!
S
Suresh O
While expanding gas infrastructure is good, I hope IOCL and the authorities have done a thorough environmental and social impact assessment for the pipeline route. Land acquisition in these regions can be sensitive. The benefits must not come at the cost of local communities.
A
Aryan P
More CNG stations along the NH 44 and other highways, please! This pipeline should make it cheaper and easier to set them up. Long-distance travel with cleaner fuel will be a boon. 🚛💨
M
Meera T
This is exactly the kind of infrastructure development we need. A strong national gas grid will reduce our import dependence in the long run and provide a cleaner alternative to coal and oil. Kudos to PNGRB and IOCL.
K
Karthik V
Hope the "competitive bidding process" was truly transparent. These large projects need to be above board. That said, if it brings down fuel costs for industries in Tuticorin and Nagercoil, it will boost the entire regional economy.

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